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NASA astronaut captures Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 from space
The 69-year-old astronaut and chemical engineer, Donald Pettit posted two photographs on social media showing the Indian city glowing brightly in an expanse of darkness.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 from space / Image- X (@astro_Pettit)
NASA astronaut Donald Pettit, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Expedition 72 crew, has shared remarkable images of an illuminated Prayagraj which is hosting the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
On Jan. 26, the 69-year-old astronaut and chemical engineer posted two photographs on social media showing the Indian city glowing brightly in an expanse of darkness.
"2025 Maha Kumbh Mela Ganges River pilgrimage from the ISS at night. The largest human gathering in the world is well lit," Pettit captioned the images, which drew widespread admiration from followers.
2025 Maha Kumbh Mela Ganges River pilgrimage from the ISS at night. The largest human gathering in the world is well lit. pic.twitter.com/l9YD6o0Llo
— Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) January 26, 2025
Luminaries from around the globe, including Lauren Powell (widow of Steve Jobs), Coldplay's Chris Martin, and Hollywood actor Dakota Johnson, have visited Prayagraj to witness the grandeur of the festival.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, a once-in-144-years event, is the world's largest religious gathering. This year, it is being held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from Jan.13 to Feb. 26.
The Ministry of Culture estimates that between 40 and 45 crore devotees will visit the holy Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers—to take a ritual bath believed to cleanse sins and pave the way to spiritual liberation (moksha).
The Kumbh Mela is celebrated based on astrological alignments. This year’s event occurs when Jupiter is in Taurus and the Sun and Moon are in Capricorn. Such celestial alignments are considered highly auspicious for spiritual cleansing and devotion.
Despite chilly weather, thousands of devotees continue to gather daily to take a holy dip in the sacred waters, making the Maha Kumbh Mela a profound symbol of collective spirituality that transcends linguistic, cultural, and geographic boundaries.
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